Governor backs call for special status

Phuket governor Sophon Suwannarat is calling for the province to be upgraded into a special administrative area, saying the move is necessary to tackle the island's critical infrastructure and environmental issues.

- ACHADTHAYA CHUENNIRAN

Speaking at a press conference on Phuket's development priorities yesterday, Mr Sophon said the province is faced with a number of pressing problems, including clean water shortages, poor wastewater management and rubbish disposal, as well as road safety issues.

However, he said the province is struggling to carry out large-scale improvement works due to budget limitations, noting the administration currently only holds about 170 million baht in its treasury.